VG247 » Rifthttp://www.vg247.com
VG247.comSat, 01 Aug 2015 21:19:19 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.2Oculus Rift out in Q1 2016, has the ability to stream Xbox One gameshttp://www.vg247.com/2015/06/11/oculus-rift-xbox-one-streaming/
http://www.vg247.com/2015/06/11/oculus-rift-xbox-one-streaming/#commentsThu, 11 Jun 2015 17:29:15 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=531851The consumer model of the Rift headset from Oculus VR will be released in Q1 2016 and comes packaged with an wireless Xbox One controller, an adapter usable with Windows 10, and the ability to stream Xbox One games to the headset.

Microsoft and Oculus Rift

“Rift will work with Windows 10 allowing users to stream their Xbox One games such as Halo, Forza, and Sunset Overdrive to the Oculus Rift using the controller that they know and love,” said Xbox boss said Phil Spencer during the briefing. In short, users will be able to stream Xbox One games to PC and then onto their Rift consumer model.

“We’re thrilled to be working closely with the team at Oculus,” said Spencer. “Their groundbreaking work in virtual reality is inspiring, and the Oculus Rift delivers a truly next-generation VR experience.

“We at Xbox are passionate about giving gamers the opportunity to play when and where they want. I can’t wait to see the incredible games created for the Rift, and we are proud to be part of the experience.”

The tech comes with two OLED screens with a wide field of view, a tracking system with “very low latency movement” as well as an external sensor which can be set upon your desk, coffee table or whatever you wish to set it on.

Headphones are integrated into the headset, but removable, and features 360-degree spatialized audio.

The Rift also features a dial to adjust the interpupillary distance between your eyes and to make things for comfortable for different face shapes and sizes. It is covered in cloth for extra comfort; is light enough to hold with one hand, and if you wear glasses wear glasses, you can remove the interior face-plate.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2015/06/11/oculus-rift-xbox-one-streaming/feed/0Oculus distances itself from the Immersive Tech Alliancehttp://www.vg247.com/2014/03/19/oculus-distances-itself-from-the-immersive-tech-alliance/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/03/19/oculus-distances-itself-from-the-immersive-tech-alliance/#commentsWed, 19 Mar 2014 00:43:11 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=457771The Immersive Technology Alliance was officially launched at GDC today, but the most famous VR manufacturer, Oculus, has distanced itself from the group.

Formerly known as the Stereoscopic 3D Gaming Association, the ITA initially listed Oculus among its members during last week’s announcement.

An Oculus spokesperson has since told CVG that this isn’t the case. “We were a part of the original alliance but we were never a part of the new alliance,” they said.

ITA directors have said that there will be a place for Oculus within the organisation “when they are ready.”

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/03/19/oculus-distances-itself-from-the-immersive-tech-alliance/feed/3Rift will receive Dream Weaver update next weekhttp://www.vg247.com/2014/02/06/rift-will-receive-dream-weaver-update-next-week/
http://www.vg247.com/2014/02/06/rift-will-receive-dream-weaver-update-next-week/#commentsThu, 06 Feb 2014 17:52:44 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=446452Rift update 2.6 will introduce a crafting class known as Dream Weavers, as well as a new story called the Air Saga (watch out for King, Trion). On top of that, 2.6 will introduce some PvE bounty hunting and new skins for combat pets. This is a lot of stuff, and it will all come down February 12. Being a content update, you might as well get ready to whine about nerfs, too. Rift can be found on Steam and is free-to-play.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2014/02/06/rift-will-receive-dream-weaver-update-next-week/feed/0MMO Winter Festivities: WoW, GW2, Lotro, SWTOR, Neverwinter, morehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/12/14/mmo-winter-festivities-wow-gw2-lotro-swtor-neverwinter-more/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/12/14/mmo-winter-festivities-wow-gw2-lotro-swtor-neverwinter-more/#commentsSat, 14 Dec 2013 20:20:53 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=435097Plenty of MMOs are hosting holiday events or other sorts of festivities between now and the new year, so instead of creating a news post for each one, I thought I would round a few up for you instead.

RIFT: Fae Yule (in-progress through January 1): The winter event in RIFT has returned and all across the zones, players can build a village and decorate it to unlock a special vendor and reveal gifts that the Fae have stolen and strewn about the zone. Players can collect the Fae’s treasures to complete six new artifact sets.

Star Wars: The Old Republic – Second Anniversary (December 17): STWOR is turning two years old, and in celebration, players will be rewarded with exclusive Scout Starfighter Paint Jobs to go along with the recently released Galactic Starfighter expansion. They will also be handed 25 faction-based fireworks.

Neverwinter: Winter Festival of Simril (December 19 – January 9): Players can celebrate Simril, the festival of the winter solstice, with various events, meats and ales. They can also do a bit of ice fishing on Glorfindar Lake; compete for the best times at the Twilight Run; grab a Winter Sled Mount; a Frost Mimic Companion; winter weapon sets; and other permanent items.

World of Warcraft: Feast of Winter Veil (December 16 – January 2): The Feast of Winter Veil will be happening throughout the MMO’s major cities, complete with special quests, seasonal items, some spiffy costumes, and Metzen the reindeer will need rescuing.

Dungeon and Dragons Online: Winter Festivult has been going on since earlier in the month which means that the Jester of Festivult is hovering about and rewarding you for handing him festival coins in exchange for seasonal items.

This list is in no way comprehensive, but should get you started. Be sure to check out the official website of the MMO you play to find out what the developer’s plans are for the season.

Merry, Happy whatever it is you celebrate.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/12/14/mmo-winter-festivities-wow-gw2-lotro-swtor-neverwinter-more/feed/9Rift update 2.5 Song of Dreams is livehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/11/08/rift-update-2-5-song-of-dreams-is-live/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/11/08/rift-update-2-5-song-of-dreams-is-live/#commentsFri, 08 Nov 2013 15:18:30 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=424862Rift, the free-to-play MMORPG from Trion Worlds, has gone live with update 2.5, Song of Dreams. This update features all new content, including an all-new underwater mini-saga called Song of Dreams and Gifts of the Fae, as well as a new Level-60 version of a Telaran instance every week starting November 13. Other additions include: a reduction of the level requirement on quests and content in Iron Pine Peak; improved PvP matchmaking; a new Planar Attunement Nexus; new Infinity Gate Dimension; International Shards and much more. Hit up the official patch notes for more information.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/11/08/rift-update-2-5-song-of-dreams-is-live/feed/0Rift goes free-to-play on Steam, three new bundles announcedhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/10/28/rift-goes-free-to-play-on-steam/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/10/28/rift-goes-free-to-play-on-steam/#commentsMon, 28 Oct 2013 15:40:28 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=421700Rift developer Trion Worlds has made its MMO free to all on Steam. The studio has also announced three new game bundles filled with digital bonuses.

In a press release issued to VG247 today, Trion Worlds confirmed that gamers will be able to access the full game and its 16 major updates absolutely free of charge.

Scott Hartsman, CEO of Trion Worlds said in a statement, “Steam has been an amazing partner for Trion. When we first launched Rift, Steam’s dedicated community of gamers helped bring our vision of a dynamic, exciting world to life. We’re thrilled to now bring the free version of the game to the largest network of PC gamers online.”

As part of the shift away from subscription models, Trion has launched three Rift special editions that contain bonus game currency and other goodies to help them on their way. Details of Rift: Ascended Edition, Rift: Patron Edition and Rift: Ultimate Hardcore Patron Edition can be found over on the developer’s blog here.

The bundles are as follows:

Rift Ascended Edition – $19.99

$10 Credit Pack (500 Credits)

15-day Patron Pass

Tartagon Mount

Bogling Wastrel Companion Pet

24-Slot Bag

Rift Patron Edition – $39.99

$15 Credit Pack (2250 Credits)

30-day Patron Pass

Tartagon Mount

Spindrel Mount

Cyclone Mount

Bogling Wastrel Companion Pet

Mini-Regulos Companion Pet

24-Slot Bag

Personal Banker

Portable Teleporter

Faction Tabards

Rift Ultimate Hardcore Patron Edition – $99.99

$50 Credit Pack (8500 Credits)

60-day Patron Pass

Tartagon Mount

Spindrel Mount

Cyclone Mount

Armored White Tiger Mount

Ghost, the While Hellbug Mount

Bogling Wastrel Companion Pet

Mini-Regulos Companion Pet

24-Slot Bag

Personal Banker

Portable Teleporter

Faction Tabards

Votan Fragger Weapon Transmog

Are you playing Rift? Is this shift to free overdue or still welcome?

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/10/28/rift-goes-free-to-play-on-steam/feed/3RIFT servers in Russia are shutting down todayhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/10/25/rift-servers-in-russia-are-shutting-down-today/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/10/25/rift-servers-in-russia-are-shutting-down-today/#commentsFri, 25 Oct 2013 20:14:20 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=421124Russian servers in RIFT are shutting down today, as Trion Worlds will no longer be supporting the localized version. Belver Online, the company responsible for the localized version, is offering players compensation via other online games it operates. The Russian version RIFT saw many players migrate to the Eruopean servers after the game went free-to-play, but the subscription-based model was still available in the region – until today. Trion has no plans to produce its own, Russian-localized client. Thanks, Massively.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/10/25/rift-servers-in-russia-are-shutting-down-today/feed/5Rift video shows Telara getting geared up for Halloweenhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/10/24/rift-video-shows-telara-getting-geared-up-for-halloween/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/10/24/rift-video-shows-telara-getting-geared-up-for-halloween/#commentsThu, 24 Oct 2013 16:00:19 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=420568Not to be left out of the fun, Trion Worlds is bringing a raft of All Hallows Eve content to free-to-play Rift in the form of the Autumn Harvest event. So, up for grabs will be Halloween gifts, prizes, activities and sheer abject terror (presumably). Check out the trailer after the break.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/10/24/rift-video-shows-telara-getting-geared-up-for-halloween/feed/0RIFT – Trion resetting inactive character names as part of server unification processhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/10/19/rift-trion-resetting-inactive-character-names-as-part-of-server-unification-process/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/10/19/rift-trion-resetting-inactive-character-names-as-part-of-server-unification-process/#commentsSat, 19 Oct 2013 14:38:43 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=419188As part of RIFT’s server unification process, Trion Worlds will be resetting the names of inactive characters. Those who have an inactive character will be receiving an email with instruction on how to preserve the name, and in order to save said character name, players will need to log into each inactive character before October 23. The firm said this is its way of freeing up character names for players headed to new shards. More information can be found through the link. Thanks, TenTonHammer.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/10/19/rift-trion-resetting-inactive-character-names-as-part-of-server-unification-process/feed/0RIFT’s Beyond Infinity update adds two 20-player raids, more hairstyleshttp://www.vg247.com/2013/09/11/rifts-beyond-infinity-update-adds-two-20-player-raids-more-hairstyles/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/09/11/rifts-beyond-infinity-update-adds-two-20-player-raids-more-hairstyles/#commentsWed, 11 Sep 2013 22:26:48 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=407253Trion Worlds have detailed the latest update to their enduring MMO RIFT, which adds a couple of new 20-man raids, another five player dungeon, cross-shard dungeon finding, a bunch of new PVP ranks most importantly, more hairstyles. Sadly there’s no information about which hairstyles they are yet, although there’s some lore behind the rest of the features below the jump.

So the reason that all this is happening is that some guy or place named the Dendrome has had its secrets revealed and that secret turned out to be a big statue called “Inyr’Kta: Hive Queen of the Architects”. Naturally, she’s planning to assault all the other planes of existance with other titan-forged colossi like herself, which I imagine requires something called the Infinity Gate, which might well the fateful god engine that everyone knows first drew the Blood Storm to Telara.

Some straight up dawg named Uriel and his mate Kira are going to have a race to open this gate, which remember, drew the Blood Storm to Teleara, and you should join them so you can travel to the Plane of Earth, where I’m reliably informed a dire reckoning of sorts will go down with the forces that “lie beyond” that plane, although it’s not yet clear how you’ll get to them.

As has become pretty standard with MMOs these days, the main raid instance for this update will be initially locked behind player progression through the updates other quests and raid content. Apparently it will involve going “beyond infinity” to another plane of RIFT where everything looks slightly more hellish and you sabotage the plans of a dragon, which seems intrinsically worthwhile.

For PVP players, you can now level up more! And Hairstyles. MMO updates are weird like that.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/09/11/rifts-beyond-infinity-update-adds-two-20-player-raids-more-hairstyles/feed/0Rift sees significant rise in player numbers since free-to-play switchhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/08/21/rift-sees-significant-rise-in-player-numbers-since-free-to-play-switch/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/08/21/rift-sees-significant-rise-in-player-numbers-since-free-to-play-switch/#commentsWed, 21 Aug 2013 14:18:50 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=400673A few months ago Rift joined the ranks of MMOs that switched business model from monthly subscriptions to free-to-play in hope of righting the ship. It seems like it might have done the trick.

“I’m actually very pleased with how the team has executed on it,” Trion SVP of marketing Noah Maffitt told [a]list daily. “It was a planned transition that’s taken months and months to do. They’ve thought through all the little details very well.

“We actually saw our sales go up after we announced free-to-play, because we think we have a compelling package around that transition. Our player counts have gone way up, as well. All early signs are good.”

It’s great news for Trion Worlds, and further throws into question the decisions of upcoming MMOs WildStar and The Elder Scrolls Online to stick with subscription fees. It’s a model that is increasingly old fashioned, and has blighted several high profile MMOs in recent years that eventually made the free-to-play switch.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/08/21/rift-sees-significant-rise-in-player-numbers-since-free-to-play-switch/feed/11Trion now closing UK office as wellhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/08/15/trion-now-closing-uk-office-as-well/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/08/15/trion-now-closing-uk-office-as-well/#commentsThu, 15 Aug 2013 22:01:30 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=398694A week ago Trion revealed they would be closing down their office in San Diego, and today they say they are doing to same to their space in Guildford. This apparently doesn’t mean there will be mass layoffs, as MCV says thise move leads to ten redundancies, including Trion Europe head John Burns, commercial director Jeff Pabst, senior brand manager Dominic Wai and PR manager Gary Burns.

The Trion statement on the matter calls this another move in a larger realignment, and so presumably there will be UK staff moved to the remaining studios in Redwood Shores or Austin. Moving forward, all European support for Defiance and Rift will take place in Redwood Shores.

“I just hate that word ‘monetise’. ‘Let’s monetise our players!’ They’re people and they’re playing a game because they want to have fun, they’re not a frickin’ ATM machine,” Trion Worlds’ Simon Ffinch told PCGamesN.

“I don’t like that attitude at all, and in the business world you can’t help but hear it. In the development team we actively fight against it.

“I mean hey, I want to have a job, I want to have enough money to pay my mortgage and feed my family and I love making the game and I want to continue doing that. Obviously I want people to buy stuff but I don’t want them to ever feel like that’s why I want them in Rift.”

Ffinch said the reason he wants players in Rift is because he’s proud of what the development team have achieved, and that he and his colleagues enjoy playing anonymously alongside punters just for the fun of it. He does use these play sessions as a chance to gather feedback, though.

“I hear the raw feedback that’s for sure. So I know what people like and what they don’t,” he said, noting that it’s not always positive, or kindly worded.

“I don’t take that personally. Sometimes I gently probe, being careful to not reveal who I really am, and then we talk about it with the team,” he added.

Apparently, players seem pretty happy with Rift in the month since it chucked subscription fees.

“It’s been amazing. It’s doing very well for us,” Ffinch said.

“That’s where the industry was going, that’s what our players wanted, we just wanted to remove that barrier of entry so that everyone could just jump in and play under the assumption that if they loved what they were doing and played Rift and thought that it was a great game, they’d buy a hat.”

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/07/24/rift-players-arent-frickin-atm-machines/feed/11Rift has gone free-to-play, new content available for allhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/06/12/rift-has-gone-free-to-play-new-content-available-for-all/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/12/rift-has-gone-free-to-play-new-content-available-for-all/#commentsWed, 12 Jun 2013 22:00:00 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=378233Today’s the day, friends; fantasy MMORPG Rift is now free to play. Trion Worlds is determined to keep Rift fair for all players, whether they choose to pay or not – no restrictions on levels or content, and all the best items must be earned in-game, not bought in a shop. To get things off on the right foot, the developer has released the Empyreal Assault update which includes a stack of new content available to everybody – a new zone called Dendrome, a ten player raid, a Chronicle and open-world raid bosses. Check out some screenshots through the break, and head over to the game’s website for more information on the conversion.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/12/rift-has-gone-free-to-play-new-content-available-for-all/feed/3RIFT free-to-play FAQ explains REX and Giftinghttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/30/rift-free-to-play-faq-explains-rex-and-gifting/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/30/rift-free-to-play-faq-explains-rex-and-gifting/#commentsThu, 30 May 2013 20:30:20 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=372074Trion will launch its free-to-play option for RIFT this weekend, and in order to explain how things will work, the developer has posted a blog on REX and Gifting. Theses two features are coming Update 2.3: Empyreal Assault.

First off there’s RIFT Exchange, or REX. It’s an exchange currency that allows free players to earn Store Credits. REX will be available as items for purchase with real money through the store and only those with an account in good standing can buy them. In other words, Gold Farmers, spammers, or hackers need not apply.

“We believe that every player should have an avenue to obtain items and services from the RIFT Store without paying real money,” reads the post. “It allows players earning in-game platinum to buy a REX on the Auction Hall, which they can then convert into Credits usable at the RIFT Store.

“The in-game platinum price is set by the player who bought the REX – Trion has nothing to do with it. We expect there will be a robust economy around these items.”

Limits to how many REX can be purchased have been applied, and these items will be monitored and will have their availability changed as needed.

Secondly, Gifting was explained as just one of the things players will be able to do with Credits.

They can purchase gifts for other players, basically, and when they browse items in the RIFT Store and on merchants, they will see a new icon next to many items. If an item has this icon next to its listing, it’s available to send as a gift.

They can even pick a “wrapper” for the gift.

RIFT 2.3: Empyreal Assault is “only a few more weeks away.”

You can have a read to learn more on how all this works through the link.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/30/rift-free-to-play-faq-explains-rex-and-gifting/feed/0Rift going free-to-play this weekendhttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/29/rift-going-free-to-play-this-weekend/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/29/rift-going-free-to-play-this-weekend/#commentsWed, 29 May 2013 08:21:24 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=371406Rift developer Trion Worlds is opening up its doors this weekend as the game will be free to anyone who owns a copy of the game already.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/29/rift-going-free-to-play-this-weekend/feed/6Trion Worlds hit with lay-offs, original numbers “grossly exaggerated,” says rephttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/17/trion-worlds-lay-offs-affect-defiance-and-rift-staffers/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/17/trion-worlds-lay-offs-affect-defiance-and-rift-staffers/#commentsFri, 17 May 2013 20:50:36 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=368215Trion Worlds has laid off as many as 100 employees, according to various sources on the net. Some say the lay-off count is as high as 80% – a percentage Trion states is “grossly exaggerated.”

IGN states it heard some senior leaders from various Trion teams “may not receive severance due to undelivered services,” even.

Kotaku, which reports the percentage to be around 70%, reached out to the firm and was given the following response:

“To best position Trion in a rapidly changing industry, we have reorganized our teams and are expanding our free to play offering. With Defiance, we delivered a great game that more than one million gamers registered to play and continue to enjoy.

“As we progress from launch to ongoing development of the game, we are adjusting our staffing levels to deliver new content and improved features.

“RIFT, and our other titles in development, were unaffected by these changes. We are very much looking forward to the free to play release of RIFT and are excited by the other new titles currently in development.”

A Trion representative has told Massively that the number of reported employees affected has been “grossly exaggerated,” and further stated that no employee was escorted from the building, nor were any developers denied severance as per IGN’s source.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/17/trion-worlds-lay-offs-affect-defiance-and-rift-staffers/feed/4RIFT free-to-play option launching in Junehttp://www.vg247.com/2013/05/14/rift-free-to-play-option-launching-in-june/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/14/rift-free-to-play-option-launching-in-june/#commentsTue, 14 May 2013 15:13:00 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=366652Trion Worlds has announced that RIFT will have a free-to-play launch in June, and will sport a hybrid model similar to other MMOs.

Trion said in the press release players will be able to experience the entire game world; every dungeon, every zone, and every level and get full access to all current and future game updates.

“We have been listening to feedback from our players and watching the continuously developing MMO community, and are now ready to launch RIFT as a premium free-to-play experience,” said Bill Fisher, creative director. “After taking our time and planning a careful transition; we are very excited to bring an enhanced game experience to everyone, without barriers.”

All players will be able to explore the entire world of Telara for free and will have access to the expanded in-game RIFT Store where a variety of services such as : mounts, boosts, wardrobe items, and more.

An optional subscription will still be available that grants a slew of “Patron” benefits and bonuses. Trion will celebrate its current and previous subscribers with loyalty and currency rewards for their time spent playing RIFT thus far.

RIFT free-to-play will kick off with content update 2.3, Empyreal Assault, which will open up a new zone, world event, chronicle and much more.

The free-to-play option and update 2.3 goes live June 12.

A short developer diary on the new business model is below.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/05/14/rift-free-to-play-option-launching-in-june/feed/4Rift bumping up userbase with Raptr rewardshttp://www.vg247.com/2013/03/12/rift-bumping-up-userbase-with-raptr-rewards/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/03/12/rift-bumping-up-userbase-with-raptr-rewards/#commentsTue, 12 Mar 2013 18:05:03 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=348442How do you save an honest-to-god subscription MMO in a free-to-play world? You use Raptr, apparently, to give stuff away.
Late last year, Trion Worlds teamed up with Raptr to see what they could do to boost the player base. They came up with a tiered reward system that ran from November of last year to the end of January that has managed to significantly increase the number of Rift players, at least among Raptr users.

The first thing they did was gift people a copy of the game for reaching the Experienced level of certain other RPGs, like WoW, Skyrim and Torchlight II, among others. Once they had folks in the game, they would offer in-game rewards for playing the game enough to reach certain Raptr ranks for Rift.

This all came together to increase the Raptr player base for Rift by 470 percent (some of which could just be existing players just beginning to use Raptr to take advantage of the rewards. Beyond that, Raptr monitoring saw an increase in average playtime a day from four hours to 6.3 hours. That’s a lot of hours.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/03/12/rift-bumping-up-userbase-with-raptr-rewards/feed/1RIFT producer exits for Zyngahttp://www.vg247.com/2013/03/05/rift-producer-exits-for-zynga/
http://www.vg247.com/2013/03/05/rift-producer-exits-for-zynga/#commentsTue, 05 Mar 2013 05:27:07 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=346092RIFT producer Hal Hanlin has left Trion Worlds after four and a half years in order to take on a new role as lead producer at Zynga. “Nothing but love for Trion, but with the maturation of Rift, there was no urgent demand for my specific skillset,” the developer wrote on Facebook.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2013/03/05/rift-producer-exits-for-zynga/feed/0Trion Worlds confirm layoffs todayhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/12/12/trion-worlds-confirm-layoffs-today/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/12/12/trion-worlds-confirm-layoffs-today/#commentsWed, 12 Dec 2012 06:27:32 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=323831The development team for Trion World, presumably working on Rift, has been reduced by up to a third with layoffs on Tuesday.

Gamasutra report that around 40 developers spanning several disciplines, including artists and designers have been let go and speculates they were part of the Rift team.

Trion Worlds have commented, “As a response to market conditions, product timelines and the natural evolution of our company, we have made some organizational changes, which include a workforce reduction. This was a difficult decision and we wish the best for those affected by these changes. At Trion, we remain focused on delivering top quality online game experiences, and are committed to supporting Rift and launching our highly anticipated new titles Defiance, Warface, and End of Nations in 2013.”

The news follows last week’s layoffs at Petroglyph, who worked on MMORTS End of Nations for Trion Worlds. With End of Nations approaching launch, the decision was made to bring the game development in house, reports GamesIndustry.

Rift players are being given a chance to play the Storm Legion expansion and Endless Eclipse update for free this weekend.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/12/12/trion-worlds-confirm-layoffs-today/feed/5Rift players coaxed back for free playhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/12/12/rift-players-coaxed-back-for-free-play/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/12/12/rift-players-coaxed-back-for-free-play/#commentsWed, 12 Dec 2012 03:29:49 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=323762From Friday 14 December through to Tuesday 18 December former Rift players can log in and try the new Storm Legion expansion along with the latest game update.

The latest update, 2.1: Endless Eclipse, is scheduled to go live on servers tomorrow, courtesy of TenTonHammer, who report that all players including RIFT Lite users, can also take part in the new Yule Festival world event and build private and guild Dimensions.

Those who don’t have an account can create one here preparation for this weekend’s event.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/12/12/rift-players-coaxed-back-for-free-play/feed/2RIFT players will “never” be offered a lifetime subscription option, says Trionhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/10/26/rift-players-will-never-be-offered-a-lifetime-subscription-option-says-trion/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/26/rift-players-will-never-be-offered-a-lifetime-subscription-option-says-trion/#commentsFri, 26 Oct 2012 14:27:49 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=310747RIFT players will “never” get the chance to purchase a lifetime subscription to the game, according to Trion global brand director Jim Butler.

Speaking with A List Daily, Butler called it a “financial disaster” for the companies relying on subscriptions for funding.

“Nope, never,” he said. “I was against the idea when we did it at Turbine, and it won’t happen on my watch here at Trion.

“Lifetime memberships are a great deal for consumers that plan to spend the next few years playing the game, and a financial disaster for subscription-only companies that have to continue paying for new feature development, salaries, server costs, marketing, etc. Ultimately, it’s a bad deal for the consumer in the long-term.”

Star Trek Online, Lord of the Rings Online, and Champions Online are just some of the MMOs out there which have offered players a lifetime subscription option in the past. Most offers were limited-run, and allowed the player to play a one-time fee in lieu of paying a monthly or quarterly subscription fee.

Players who took advantage of these offers still have to fork over cash for expansions, and for the MMOs which are now free-to-play, lifers still have to pay for items up for grabs via the in-game stores – although many games hand out VIP or lifetime players a stipend of game currency on a monthly basis.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/26/rift-players-will-never-be-offered-a-lifetime-subscription-option-says-trion/feed/4RIFT expansion Storm Legion goes into open beta on November 2http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/25/rift-expansion-storm-legion-goes-into-open-beta-on-november-2/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/25/rift-expansion-storm-legion-goes-into-open-beta-on-november-2/#commentsThu, 25 Oct 2012 18:29:05 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=310458RIFT: Storm Legion will go into open beta on November 2, Trion has announced. All expansion content will be available during the period to those who create a RIFT account and download the client. The open beat ends on November 5 in order to prepare the expansion for its November 13 launch. You can sign up here.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/25/rift-expansion-storm-legion-goes-into-open-beta-on-november-2/feed/0RIFT Storm Legion DLC priced, dated: pre-purchasing now on Steamhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/10/16/rift-storm-legion-dlc-priced-dated-pre-purchasing-now-on-steam/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/16/rift-storm-legion-dlc-priced-dated-pre-purchasing-now-on-steam/#commentsTue, 16 Oct 2012 08:57:49 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=307275RIFT: Storm Legion is a new, full expansion to the expansive MMORPG from Trion Worlds. The DLC is available to pre-purchase on Steam now, get full pricing and details below.

Valve made the announcement over on the Steam blog, and issued an official expansion descriptor that reads:

A Storm is Brewing …

As the ward protecting Telara falls, a cry for help echoes from a faraway land…

Crucia—Dragon of Air and the Queen of Storms—has waited patiently while her fellow dragons were slain by the Ascended. Now it is down to her and Regulos, the Devourer of Worlds, to divide the spoils of Telara.

Both dragons and their cults plan on activating the Infinity Gate, but Crucia is better prepared for the titanic battles that await. The Queen of Storms has kept her Legion’s power subdued until now, saving her cult’s strength for this final struggle to regain her power and conquer the cosmos.

Only the Ascended stand in opposition. The fate of Telara rests with you.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/09/tempest-rising-world-event-preps-rift-players-for-storm-legion/feed/0RIFT: Storm Legion beta has kicked offhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/10/06/rift-storm-legion-beta-has-kicked-off/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/06/rift-storm-legion-beta-has-kicked-off/#commentsSat, 06 Oct 2012 19:51:33 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=304447RIFT: Storm Legion’s beta is going on this weekend. Beta 1: Crucia Unleashed, contains new continents, new Souls, Instant Adventures, and Dimensions to test. The beta is open to those who pre-ordered the expansion or through “select invitations,” according to TenTonHammer. The first beta test ends on October 8, and details on future beta tests will be announced at a later date. Storm Legion launches on November 13.
]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/10/06/rift-storm-legion-beta-has-kicked-off/feed/0RIFT: Storm Legion pre-orders will help save pandashttp://www.vg247.com/2012/09/26/rift-storm-legion-pre-orders-will-help-save-pandas/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/26/rift-storm-legion-pre-orders-will-help-save-pandas/#commentsWed, 26 Sep 2012 01:02:00 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=300882In an admirably amusing nod to the competition. Trion Worlds has announced a new pre-order incentive for RIFT’s upcoming expansion, Storm Legion. As detailed on the MMORPG’s blog, all pre-orders through StormLegion.com between September 26 and October 3 will trigger a $1 donation to Pandas International. If you need this spelled out for you, gratz on climbing out from under your rock; World of Warcraft’s kung fu panda extravaganza Mists of Pandaria launched this week.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/26/rift-storm-legion-pre-orders-will-help-save-pandas/feed/4Rift “free weekend” approacheshttp://www.vg247.com/2012/09/14/rift-free-weekend-approaches/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/14/rift-free-weekend-approaches/#commentsFri, 14 Sep 2012 00:29:02 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=297057This weekend Trion Worlds has made Rift free play to all, from the 14th – 16th. Meaning new players can get a chance to see what it’s like, but more importantly, old players can be drawn back in.

While it may serve as a good introduction for new players, the move seems more targeted at those current players who have lingered at level 20 in the “lite” mode, as described by PCGamesN.

Many players have opted to stay and play in their PvE zones as opposed to forking out cash to go past level 20 and beyond the “lite” version. This weekend will allow those players and new ones to experience what it’s like after level 20, but characters will not be able to be used past this weekend in Rift lite.

]]>http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/14/rift-free-weekend-approaches/feed/0RIFT: Storm Legion video and screens show a lovely expansionhttp://www.vg247.com/2012/09/05/rift-storm-legion-video-and-screens-show-a-lovely-expansion/
http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/05/rift-storm-legion-video-and-screens-show-a-lovely-expansion/#commentsWed, 05 Sep 2012 13:20:31 +0000http://www.vg247.com/?p=293990RIFT: Storm Legion has a new trailer showing off some of the features in the expansion. We’ve also been handed a new set of screenshots from PAX, the box art, and a couple shots of the pre-order mount incentive. Storm Legion will launch with two large new continents tripling the size of the world, 10 new levels, four new souls, personalized Dimensions, capes, and more. Storm Legion launches November 13.